As a huge fan of MERIT’s original Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their matte formula. Mostly, because I had a feeling – before even seeing the line up – that the shade selection would be intriguing. And I wasn’t wrong. Eight new shades, which you can either buy separately, or at a significant discount when buying the quartet in The Box Set. I’ve been putting these to the test, and wanted to share my thoughts and feelings. Especially as someone who loves their OG formulation so much, I’ve made it through a full lipstick already (and that’s saying something). So, let’s review the MERIT Beauty Signature Lip Mattes.
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Packaging
Touching on the packaging, just briefly. The Box Set comes in a plush velvet box which feels weighty, and is satisfying to open, revealing four lipsticks snugly tucked inside. That experience alone feels luxurious, and I’ve actually been keeping them housed in their box as it’s such an easy way to keep them tidy and tucked away.
The lipsticks are housed in a translucent perspex case – same as the original Signature Lightweight Lip, but in a smokey grey to differentiate the formula.
MERIT Signature Lip Mattes Review
So let’s talk formula. Because as far as comfort goes, I haven’t worn anything on my lips in the past two years that even rivals their OG formulation (yes, it’s that good). And, I wanted to know, does the MERIT Signature Lip Mattes live up to the hype?
I think we all have a pretty solid idea in our head about what a matte formula looks and feels like on the lips. Powdery finish, drying to wear, but does. not. budge.
So reading the ingredients list had me wondering, was MERIT about to topple that preconceived notion on its head? Hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration; sesame seed extract for conditioning and comfort. Curious.
My lips have a propensity for dryness, so I’ll always start off by priming with a lip balm. Because these are mattes, I went in with the big guns; a heavy duty, thick base – the Trinny London Lip Treat. I think it’s worth highlighting this, as I do think that this ever so slightly adjusts the way the formula applies and lasts over the course of the day.
These strike me as much more pigmented than the OG Signature Lip. One swipe is ample enough to get a rich wash of colour, though you can layer up for a more pigmented/opaque look. It glides on the lips seamlessly; similar to most satin lipsticks I’ve tried. No dragging at all. The finish has a velvety look, and can be blotted and blurred at the edges with a tissue or the tips of your fingers.
Comfort-wise, I found wearing these no different to most other lipsticks. While the Mattes don’t have the slip of the OG Signature Lip, they don’t seem to wear like a traditional matte lipstick beyond the wear time. On which is reasonably good, though do expect fading – the trade off of a more comfortable formula is to the longevity. But this is absolutely not a dealbreaker for me. I’d rather reapply, that have dry, uncomfortable lips all day.
So… TLDR: The Merit Beauty Signature Lip Mattes are a fairly opaque, creamy matte formulation which glide on the lips and feel (very) comfortable to wear. Extremely decent wear time, though do expect to need to reapply throughout the day.
MERIT Signature Lip Mattes Swatches
There’s eight shades available, all of which on reflection, act as enhancers for our lips across the spectrum, plus a couple of bolder red-toned hues for good measure. The Box Set includes the shades Antibes, Maison, Power, and Classic. Antibes was top of my list to try, and I’m also curious about Equestrian and Court.
From top to bottom in the imagery above, we have Antibes (Soft Peach), Maison (Berry Mauve), Power (Cool Red), Classic (Neutral). Perhaps the only additions I would make are that Power feels like more of a punch raspberry hue with a blue-pink undertone. And Classic reads quite light in the bullet, but translates beautifully onto the lips, with a faint warm, neutral undertone.
Below you can see how they swatch on me. I have an olive complexion, with cool-toned lips. Antibes is in the top left, Maison in the top right, Power in the bottom left, and Classic in the bottom right. Given my favourite OG Signature Lip is the shade Tiger, it probably comes as little surprise that I can see myself wearing Antibes the most – it feels like it naturally matches and is one with my complexion.
So, are these the best matte lipsticks I’ve ever tried? From a comfort standpoint, it’s a categorical yes. I haven’t tried anything that feels quite like these on the lips. The colour range is pretty unique – something that MERIT does extremely well – and I’m happy to forgo a bit of longevity if it means boosting comfort. Added bonus that the formulation includes soothing and hydrating ingredients!
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